Digest for 04-04-14

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas and South Carolina had to postpone their series opener in Baum Stadium because of severe weather in Northwest Arkansas on Thursday.

The game, which was set for an ESPNU telecast as part of the network’s Thursday night college baseball coverage, has been rescheduled for today. Arkansas (18-11, 4-5 in Southeastern Conference) will play a doubleheader against second-ranked South Carolina (25-3, 6-3 in SEC) beginning at 3:05 p.m. The second game will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

It’s the second straight week Arkansas has had its series opener postponed because of the weather. The Razorbacks also played a doubleheader at Mississippi State last Saturday, splitting the games. The Bulldogs eventually won the series.

Arkansas will play a doubleheader for the fifth time this season. The Razorbacks lost both games doubleheaders against South Alabama and California. Arkansas swept a doubleheader against Mississippi Valley State and split with the Bulldogs.

The Razorbacks are still expected to send right-handed pitcher Trey Killian (1-4, 2.78 ERA) to the mound for the series opener at 3:05 p.m. Lefty Jalen Beeks (4-2, 1.27 ERA) is scheduled to start the second game of the doubleheader.

Tickets for Thursday’s game are null and void. Individuals who purchased single game tickets for Thursday’s game may exchange them for a ticket to another game this season at the Razorback Ticket Center, subject to availability.

REGIONAL

Cardinals drop Reds after lengthy delay

CINCINNATI — Jhonny Peralta smacked a two-run homer and Matt Adams went 3-for-5 with two runs scored as the St. Louis Cardinals waited out another long rain delay before posting a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

Matt Holliday added two hits, including an RBI double, and Trevor Rosenthal shut the Reds down over the final 1 1/3 innings to enable the defending National League champions to take the season-opening three-game series between the division rivals.

Rosenthal’s efforts preserved a victory for Lance Lynn (1-0) after the St. Louis starter allowed three runs while striking out seven over five innings.

Cincinnati’s Homer Bailey (0-1) wasn’t as effective in his season debut, permitting four runs on seven hits and walking three before exiting after 4 1/3 innings.

All of the Reds’ scoring came via the home run, with Jeff Frazier belting a three-run shot as well as a solo blast and Jay Bruce cracking a two-run homer as part of a 2-for-4 day. Joey Votto finished with three hits and two runs scored in the loss.

Cunningham was booked into Hennepin County Jail at 6:14 a.m. He is being held without bail pending charges, which have yet to be filed.

The Timberwolves defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night and traveled to Florida Thursday afternoon for a two-game road trip. They’ll play in Miami against the Heat on Friday night and Saturday night in Orlando against the Magic. Cunningham did not accompany the team.

The woman involved in the incident did not require medical treatment, police said.

The 26-year-old Cunningham is averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 74 games this season.

UNC’s McAdoo entering draft

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina forward James Michael McAdoo announced Thursday that he will forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the 2014 NBA Draft.

McAdoo averaged 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds over his sophomore and junior seasons with the Tar Heels, earning second team All-ACC honors in both of those campaigns. The 6-foot-9 Virginia native scored 1,232 points and pulled down 640 rebounds in 108 collegiate games.

"I just feel I am ready to play at the next level and excited about that challenge," said McAdoo at a press conference announcing his decision. "I had chances to go after my freshman and sophomore years but was more excited about coming back to school then. Right now I am excited about fulfilling my dream to play in the NBA and do what I have to do to take that next step."

McAdoo is projected to be taken in the second round by a consensus of draft experts.

McCoy appeared in four games last season, and completed his lone pass, for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Texas product and Browns’ third-round draft pick in 2010 spent his first three seasons in Cleveland, throwing for more than 4,300 yards and 20 touchdowns.

In 28 games over four NFL seasons, McCoy has passed for 4,401 yards, 21 TDs and 20 interceptions.

Boston College hires Christian

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Boston College announced the hiring of Jim Christian as its new head men’s basketball coach on Thursday.

Christian takes over for Steve Donahue, who was fired on March 18 after a 54-76 record after four years at the helm.

Christian spent the last two seasons with Ohio University, racking up a 49-22 mark which included two postseason berths. Prior to that, he spent four years guiding TCU (2008-12) and six seasons with Kent State (2002-08).

All told, the 49-year-old native of Long Island holds a 242-154 record along with two NCAA Tournament berths (2006 and 2008 with Kent State).